Stokely Carmichael: The Bronx to Freedom Summer

Fifty years ago, civil rights activists from across the country came together in Mississippi to fight entrenched racism and voter repression. To mark the anniversary of 1964’s Freedom Summer, the Museum of the City of New York will examine one of its key players at a talk titled Stokely Carmichael’s Journey: From the Bronx to Freedom Summer on Thursday, August 12 at 6:30 p at the museum, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, NYC.

Tufts University Professor of History Peniel Joseph will discuss Stokely Carmichael’s boyhood in the Bronx, his role in New York’s 1960s political activist culture, his organizing in the South, and his global vision of liberation. Copies of Joseph’s book Stokely: A Life (Basic Civitas Books, 2014) will be available for purchase.

This program is co-sponsored by The Andrew Goodman Foundation and is presented as part of the Activist New York program series, made possible by The Puffin Foundation. RSVP required. Admission is free.

Activist New York is an ongoing exhibition at the City Museum, exploring social activism in New York from the 17^th century to the present day.  In a town renowned for its in-your-face persona, citizens of the city have banded together on issues as diverse as historic preservation, civil rights, wages, sexual orientation, and religious freedom. Using artifacts, photographs, audio and visual presentations, as well as interactive components that seek to tell the entire story of activism in the five boroughs, Activist New York presents the passions and conflicts that underlie the city’s history of agitation.

Founded in 1923 as a private, nonprofit corporation, the Museum of the City of New York celebrates and interprets the city, educating the public about its distinctive character, especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. The Museum connects the past, present, and future of New York City, and serves the people of the city as well as visitors from around the world through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections. Visit www.mcny.org to learn more.